Column: Remodeling underway at McMillan Library

Ron McCabe

Construction is well underway on our Youth Services Remodeling Project. The project will include new carpeting, a new ceiling, new lighting, a new story hour/activity area, a computer area for older children, a children's garden and lots of cozy areas for parents, grandparents and children to enjoy the library's books and other resources together.

During construction, most of the library materials for children are available in the adult room. Thanks to everyone for putting up with this temporary inconvenience. The current schedule is to complete the project by early July and have a grand opening event by the end of July.

Our annual summer reading programs for children and teens will be held as usual this year and will be better than ever. Special events for children in June include a summer reading program kickoff celebration on June 11, magician Matt Dunn on June 18, juggler Steve Russell on June 25, and hands-on activities on June 13, 20 and 27.

Special events in June for teens will include the teen summer reading kickoff party on June 14, a Zombie Party on June 19, an Introduction to Improvisation Workshop led by teaching artists from Chicago's famous Second City on June 22, and "Get Steampunked!" on June 26. For event schedules and registration requirements, visit or call the library at 715-422-5131.

We will have great programs for adults in June as well. The Monday Movies series will present popular and critically-acclaimed new films for adult audiences at 7 p.m. every Monday in June. Several of the films that were nominated for Academy Awards will be shown. The adult concert series continues on June 13 with a 7 p.m. concert by the Rhythm Aces, a traditional jazz band from Milwaukee. At 7 p.m. June 20, popular Wisconsin author Jerry Apps will discuss his new book, "Limping Through Life," the story of the adjustments he made after contracting polio at the age of 12.

Take a break from your busy schedule at the McMillan Coffeehouse. In addition to great coffee from Madison's Ancora Coffee Roasters and wonderful baked goods, the Coffeehouse now offers gourmet soups in several flavors. The McMillan Coffeehouse is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Make McMillan Library your home away from home. Visit the library, visit our website www.mcmillanlibrary.org, or call us at 715-422-5136 for more information about library programs and services.